Signaling system.



C. P. NACHOD.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18. I9I4.

Patented May 8, 1917.

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SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18, 1914- I 1,225,736 Patented May 8,1917.

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SIGNAHNG SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18. 1914.

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CARL P. NACHOD, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNGB T9 NACHOIDSIGNAL COMPANY, INC., A CORPGRATION OF NEW YORK.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May S, 1917.

Application filed September 18, 1914. Serial No. 862,264.

'0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CARL P. NACHOD, a citizen of the United States,residing in the city of Philadelphia, county of Philadelphia, and Stateof :lennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Signaling System, ofwhich the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electrical signal.- ing systems for controllintrailic on railways, and more particularly electric railways.

My invention relates more particularly to such a xystem in which all thesignals are light signals, though it will be understood that disk,semaphore or blade signals, or other types of signals may be used eitherin place of or with some or all of the light signals.

In my preferred arrangement, though my invention is not limited thereto,I employ a near signal (preferably green) for indicating that a track orblock is clear; a danger or stop signal (preferably red) and with thelatter two alternating signals (preferably yellow) which with the red orstop signal gives a permissive signal or indication, the yellow signalsalternating for such successive car or train entering a track section orblock.

My invention resides in the system and apparatus of the characterhereinafter described.

For an illustration of one of various forms my invention may takereference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a signal box showing one arrangen'ientof light signals.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of one of my arrangements of circuits andapparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view, partly in seetion,showing switchingmechanism which may be used in the system shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line A-A of Fig. 3.'

Fig. is a sectional view, some parts in elevation, taken on the line CCof Fig. 3.

G is a horizontal sectional view, some n. rts in plan, taken on the lineEE of F 5.

7 is a vertical sectional view, some parts in elevation, taken on theline .DD Of flt.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view, parts .in elevation, taken on the line B Bof Fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is an end elevational view of another form of alternating switch.

Referring to Fig. 1, a signal box L is shown to have four signal Windowsor lenses, which may themselves be colored and behind which within thebox are disposed the signal lights, such as electric incandescentlights. The upper signal may be the clear or green signal G, the nextbelow he red or stop signal R, and the lower yellow lights or signals Y,Y1 staggered to either side of the signal R.

In the system about to be described, it vill be assumed that the greenlight G is displayed when the track or block is clear; that the redlight It is a danger or stop signal indicating, when displayed alone,that the track or block ahead is occupied; and that a permissiveindication-or signal is given when the red light R and either of theyellow lights Y or Y1 are simultaneously displayed; and that when such apermissive signal is displayed, as R and Y simultaneously, the entry ofanother vehicle or train into the track section or block will causeextinction of the light Y and the display of the light Y1, so that R andY1 are displayed, still giving a permissive indication or signal, butindicating to the motorman or driver of said vehicle or train that suchvehicle or train has counted in or affected the signaling circuits orapparatus.

Referring now to Fig. 2, 1 represents the trolley wire or other contactconductor of an electric railway system, a track or block sectionextending between the turn-outs 2 and :2 at stations A and B, the normaldirections of vehicle or train movements being indicated by the arrows.

Similar apparatus is illustrated at both stations A and B, the parts atstation B corresponding with similar parts at station A being designatedby similar reference characters with the addition of prime marks.

At or near each end of the block, that is, at each turn-out, there isdirectionally sensitivervehicle controlled contact mechanism which maybe of any suitable type, such as electro-magnetir. asillustrated, forexample,

at 11, 18 in my prior Patent No. 1,108,927, or simply mechanical as hereelementally illustrated. In electrical connection with the contactconductor 1 are the movable contacts 3, 4t, 3, t which be deflected ineither direction to engage the cooperating stationary contacts 5, 6, 5,6.

The contacts 5, 5 are electrically connected together and to theconductor 7 which con nects with one ter ninal of the electro-magnet orsolenoid S, which may be termed the signal setting magnet, whose otherterminal is connected with the earth E or other return conductor of theelectric railway system. The contacts 6, 6 are connected to each otherand to the conductor 8 which connects with one terminal of theeloctro-inagnet or solenoid C, which may he termed the signal clearingmagnet, whose other terminal connects with the earth or return conductorE One terminal. of the electro-magnet H is permanently connected byconductor 9 with the contact or feed conductor 1, while its otherterminal is connected to the stationary switch contact 1.0 normally inelectrical communication with the stationary switch con tact 11 throughthe movable switch contact 12. The contact 11 is connected with theconductor 13 which extends from station A to station B where it connectswith the contact 11 communicating through movable switch contact 12 withthe switch contact connecting with one terminal of the electro-magnet Hwhose other terminal connects with the earth or return conductor E. Itis apparent, therefore, that under normal conditions, as illustrated inFig. 2, the electro-magnets H and H are in series with each other andnormally energized and therefore hold their armatures 14: and 14 intheir attracted positions indicated against the contacts 15 and 15,whereby current normally flows from the conductor 1 through conduc--tors 9, 9, armatures 1 1, 14:, contacts 15, 15 and the green or clearsignal lights G and G to earth or return conductor E, causing theirdisplay and indication at both stations that the block is clear. It willbe noted that the magnets H, H which hold the signals at clear, are bothenergized from one end or" the block through a conductor extending alongthe block between stations.

Associated with the armature 1% of mag net H is a contact 16 connectedto one terminal of the red signal light It whose other terminal isconnected to the earth or return conductor E. Thus w ien the magnets Hand H are deenergized their armatures drop and cause energization of thered lights R and R.

And a contact 17 is adapted to be engaged by armature 1 when magnet H isdeener gized, such contact 17 being connected to stationary switchcontact 18 normally in electric connection with the switch contact 19through the movable switch contact 20. The contact 19 is connected witha contact 21 of the clearing magnet C, the contact 21 normally engagingthe stationary contact 22 which connects with a conductor 23 extendingfrom station A to station E where it connects with the contact 21movable with the armature of the clearing magnet C, the contact 21normally engaging the stationary contact 22 connected with the switchcontact 19 normally connected with switch contact 18 through the movableswitch contact the contact 18 being connected with the contact 17adapted to be engaged by the armature 1 1 of magnet H.

Connected with the contact 19 and contact 21 is a contact 2% adapted tobe connected to contact 25 by the movable switch contact 26, the contact25 being connected through conductor 27 with one terminal of theelectro-magnet D whose other terminal connects to the earth or returnconductor E. The armature 28 of the electro-magnet D is connected byconductor 29 with one terminal oi the electro-magnet U and also with sothe stationary switch contact 30 normally in communication with theswitch contact 31 through the movable switch contact 32, the contact 31being connected with conductor 33 which extends between the stations andthence through s itch contacts 31, 32, 30 with the conductor 29. Thearmature 28, when attracted, is adapted to engage contact 34 connectedwith conductor 33. Movable with the armature 28 of electro-magnet D isthe movable switch contact 35, connected with conductor 9, and adapted,when the armature 28 is attracted, to engage the stationary contact 36which is connected with the contact 37 bearing upon the rotatableconducting member 38 having the staggered contacts 39 and 40 on oppositesides. The stationary brushes or contacts 41 and 12, adapted to engagethe contacts 39 and 40, respectively, are connected respectively to ter-11o minals of the yellow lamps Y and Y1 whose other terminals connectwith the earth or return conductor E.

The switch contacts 12, 20, 26 and 32 mav be attached to a commonmovable member, as in the switching mechanism more partic ularlyhereinafter described, and are controlled by magnets S and C.

The solenoids S and C are shown in Figs. 3 and 5. Each has a movablecore 43, whose attraction is opposed by a spring 44, a rod 15 beingconnected with the core 43 and carrying a member 46 upon which ispivoted at 17 the dog or pawl 48 adapted to engage the ratchet ortoothed wheel 49 to step the same around one notch each time the core 43is attracted. Or any equivalent arrangement may be used in which the 7wheel 49 is stepped. around by the action of the solenoid. Iii Fig. 3the toothed wheel for the solenoid S is indicated at 50, its actuatingdog or pawl at 51 and the member to which the latter is pivoted isindicated at 52.

In the brackets 53, 53, Fig. l, is secured the non-rotatable shaft 5stupon which the ratchet or toothed wheels 4L9 and are rotatable. Theratchet wheel 49 is secured to the driving clutch member between whosesections are movable longitudinally of the shaft 5a the driven clutchmember 56 secured to or a part of the cam member 57, (see Figs. 3, 5 and7), a spring 58 holding the cam member 57 toward the right in theposition shown Fig. 4, and opposing the movement of said cam member 57toward the left. Embracing the circular rib 59 on the cam member 57 areth strap m mbers (30, (30 secured to each other by the screws 61.Pivoted to the members 80, 60 by screws (32, 62 is the member 63 in theform of a jaw upon the upper end of the rod 64, the latter pivoted at(35 in brackets 66, suitable lost motion being allowed at one or theother of the pivotal connections to allow the rod G l to swing to theright and left as viewed in Fig. 3 without oinding or locking. At

the lower end of the rodGl is provided a plate or extension 67 to whichis secured by screws 68, 68 a plate 69 of insulating material to whichare secured the movable switch contacts 12, 20, 26 and 32 cooperatingwith the stationary contacts supported by the stationary insulatingmember 70.

Disposed beside the cam member 57, and rotatable upon the shaft 54, isthe disk or member 7 l secured to the ratchet or notched wheel 50 ofsolenoid S. A pivot pin or screw 72 pivots the roller 78 to a flattenedportion of the periphery of member 71, the roller 73 normally engagingin the cam surface or depression 74. in the member 57, which latter hasa lug 75 wlile the member 71 has a corresponding lug 76, the lugs 75 and76 adapted to engage each other to limit the relative rotation ofmembers 57 and 71 with respect to each other.

Rotatable in fixed relation with "the ratchet wheel 50, actuated by thesignal setting solenoid S, is the alternating switch for Qllfi yellowlights Y, Y1. This switch comprises the metallic disk or wheel 38insulated from and secured by screws 77 to the flange 78 rotatable, withthe wheel Extending to one side of disk 38 are the contact lugs 39 beingstaggered with respect to lugs (1 0, the contact 37 being in electricalcommunication with all the contact lugs all the time, while brushes orcontacts ill and L2 engage respectively and alternately the contact lugs39 and so, so that as the wheel 50 is rotated electrical connection ismade through brush 37 first it 1 brush ll, then with. brush a2, and thenagain with brush 41, and so on alternately.

and

As shown in Figs. 3 and 8, these brushes are supported upon theinsulating member 79.

Or the alternating switch for the permissive signal lights may take theform shown in Fig. 9 w ere he contact 37 is stationary and held by orconstituting a part of the bracket 80 secured to the base 81 ofinsulating material. Upon this base of insulating material the contactsl-l and ii are supported ies1 ){--(:tively on the ends of the levers 82and 83 pivoter to the base 81, a spring 84, insulated from one or bothof said levers, being normally under tension to draw said levers towardeach other. On these levers are pivoted the rollers 86 .da ited to thestar wheel 87 driven by the ratchet wheel 50. As the star wheel rotatesit withdraws one of the movable contacts from engagement "i h thestationary contact 37 and allows the spring to bring the other intoengagement with the stationary contact, these movable contactsalternately engaging the stationary contact, there being a change foreach step of movement of the ratchet wheel 50.

When the solenoids C and S are energized they move their ratchet wheels49 and 50 one notch, thereby rotating the members 57 and 71 a likedistance in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 3. The partsare normally in the position indi eaten in Fig. 3. lf, however, thesolenoid S only is energized the member 71 only will be stepped forwardand this will cause the roller 73 to thrust against and ride up upon thecam surface 7 lof member 57 until the roller 73 bears upon the lateralface of the disk or member 57. This movement causes a longitudinalmovement of the member 57 with respect to the shaft 5i, this movementbeing in opposition to spring 58 and carries the member 60 toward theleft, as viewed in Fig. 3, which accordingly tilts the lever G l aboutits pivot 65 in a counterclockwise direction, causing the switch to movefrom the position indicator in Fig. 3 to the position in which the corntact 26 engages the contact If, new, tae solenoid (J is energized andsteps member 5'7 around, but not as many steps as the member 71 has beenstepped, the switch will remain in the position last described, namely,with Contact in engagement with contact 25. If, however, the number ofenergizations of solenoid C should become equal to the number ofenergizations of the solenoid S, the member 57 will haveovertaken themember 71 and will have returned to the relative position indicated inFig. 3, under influence of spring 58, because the cam notch 74 will haveeomeopposite the roller 73. This return movement causes he separation ofcontact 26 from contact shifts the bar 64- and the switch back to thenormal position indicated in Fig. 3.

By this construction the switch is shifted only upon an excess ofenergizations of one of the solenoids over the number of energizationsof the other. The switch is shifted only upon an excess movement of oneof the ratchets over the other and is independent of the actual angularposition of the two ratchets or the two members 57 and 71.

And by the construction above described the magnets or solenoids S and Care enabled to make their strokes or movements simultaneously andindependently or dissimultaneously.

And after a predetermined excess movement by one of the ratchet wheels,the lugs and 76 will engage and prevent further relative movementbetween members 57 and 71. That is, should such a number of cars ortrains occupy the block at the same time that the lugs 75 and 76 havebeen brought into engagement with each other, further cars or trainsentering the block will produce no effect because the member 71 willcarry with it the member 57, member 71 having made substantially acomplete revo lution. Were this positive drive of member 57 by member 71not afforded, such further cars or trains entering the block wouldcause, at a certain stage, the improper clearing of the signals. Withthe parts in normal position as indicated in Figs. 3 and 1, the lug 75is about to engage lug 76, and should the solenoid C be energized beforesolenoid S lug 75 would engage lug 76 and cause member 71 to followmember 57, thereby maintaining the switch in its normal positionindicated in Fig. 3.

The operation of the system is as follows:

When there is no car or train in the block, the green lights G and Gwill be displayed at both stations because the magnets H and H arenormally energized as previously described.

A car or train arriving at one end of the block will be advised by thedisplay of the green light that the block is clear and that it mayenter. Upon entering the block as from station A, that is, from left toright, Fig. 2, the carer train will actuate the contact member 3 toengage the contact 5, whereupon the solenoid or electro-magnet S atstation A will be temporarily energized, thus stepping around theratchet wheel 50 one notch and causing the shift ing of the switch byrod 6 1 as previously described, from its normal position, indicated inFigs. 2 and 3, to the position where contact 26 bridges contacts 241 and25, and contacts 12, 20, and 32 separate from their cooperatingstationary contacts. The result is that contact 12, having separatedfrom contacts 10 and 11, breaks the circuit through the magnets H, Hwhose armatures 1 1, 1 1' are then no longer attracted and drop andengage the lower contacts 16, 17 and 16, 17 This causes rupture ofcurrent through the green signals G and G and establishment of currentthrough the red signals R and B. At station B only the red signal Itwill be displayed, while at station A the red signal R and a yellowsignal Y will be displayed, the red signal B being controlled by therelease of armature 14:, as described, and the yellow light signal Ybeing displayed because movable switch contact 26 is now in engagementwith stationary contacts 2% and 25 which causes electro-magnet D atstation A to be energized by current flowing from stat-ion B fromconductor 1 through conductor 9 to armature 14, contact 17, to contact18, through contact 20 to contact 19 through contacts 22, 21, conductor23, contacts 22 and 21, contacts 2 1, 26 and 25 throughthe winding ofthe electro-magnet D and thence to earth or return conductor E. When theelectro-magnet D is energized it attracts its armature 28 which carrieswith it the movable contact 35 which now engages contact 36, whereuponcurrent flows from the conductor 1 at station A through conductor 9,contacts 35 and 36, brush 37, thence through a contact 39 which is nowin engagement with brush ll through the yellow signal Y to earth orreturn conductor E. It will accordingly be seen that upon entry of thefirst car or train into the block the clear or green signal will bediscontinued, a red danger or stop signal will. be displayed at theopposite end of the block, and at the home end of the block a red andyellow permissive signal will be displayed indicating that the block isoccupied and further indicating that other cars or trains may enter theblock from the same end, the red and yellow signals simultaneouslydisplayed constituting the permissive signal or indication.

If, now, another vehicle or train enters the block from the same end,the electromagnet or solenoid S will be again energized and will stepits ratchet wheel 50 around another notch, but as hereinbefore explainedthe switch will remain in its abnormal position because the roller 73 isbearing upon the lateral face of the member 57 thus holding the switchin such abnormal position. But in making this further step, the ratchetwheel 50 has carried light will glow, showing the motorman of the secondcar or train that his car or train has counted in, that is, has causedthe step movement oi the apparatus described. And a third car or trainproceeding toward the same entrance of the block will thus receive apermissive signal and may enter, and upon entering will cause allsignals to remain the same as before except that the signal Y1 will bediscontinued and signal Y will again be displayed. And so on, a seriesof cars or trains may enter the block in the same direction, eachalternating the yellow signals.

find when a car or train leaves the block at station E the contact 3will be caused temporarily to engage the contact 6 whereupon magnet G atstation 13 will be energized as will also the magnet C at station A, thelatter receiving its current from station B through contacts 3 and 6''through conductor 8, conductor 29, contacts 30', 32 and 81, conductor33, and now through contact 31 to armature 28 of magnet l), which, itwill be remembered, has previously been energized upon entry of a car ortrain to the left end of the block, thence to conductor 29 through thewinding of electro-magnet G to earth or return conductor E. Uponenergization of magnet or solenoid C the ratchet wheel l!) will bestepped around one notch as will the member 57, so that member 57 gainsone step upon member 71. And each car leaving the block at station Bwill cause energization of magnet C as described. And when as many carsor trains shall have left the block entered it, member 57' will haveovertaken member 71 and cam notch Tl will have been brought oppositeroller 73 allowing restoration of the switch to the normal positionindicated in Figs. 2 and 8, whereupon the magnets H, H are againenergized, the green lights again displayed, and the red and yellowlights extinguished.

As stated, upon departure of each train or vehicle from the block atstation ll the electro-inagnet C at station E is energized. But suchenergization, has no effect, and is incidental only, because in themechanism at station B the lug 75 will engage the lug 7e and cause themember 71 to be moved around with the member 57, these members thereforemaintaining their normal position with respect to each other, andpreventing shifting of the switch at station E from its normal positionshown in Fig.

If a car enters the block, as from the left, and then backs out again atthe same station It, solenoid S is first energized through rontacts 3and 5, and then solenoid C is energized through contacts 4 and 6, or 3and 6, the result being, irrespective of whether there is a car or trainon the block, that the eii'ect of entry is immediately canceled, because the p f rward. 0f the Gill" counting or step-by-step mechanismcaused by solenoid S, is immediately overtaken or canceled by the stepforward caused by the solenoid C.

Suppose a car or train has entered the block from left to right atstation A, a permissive indication, red and yellow, will be displayed atstation A and a red or stop signal will be displayed at station E aspre- .'i-ousl v described. it, now, with the car or train in the block,a car or train should wrongfully enter the block from station B againstthis red or stop signal displayed atstaticn B, the solenoid S at stationB will be energized because of engagement of contact 5 by contac 4 orbecause of engagement of contact 5 by contact 3", depending upon thetrack at station B from which the car or train wrongfully enters theblock. Such energization of solenoid S will cause the switch at stationE to move'from normal to abnormal position, thus separating con tact 20'from contacts 18 and 19, and thereby breaking the circuit throughconductor 23 and electro-magnet D at station A, thus cau extinction ofthe yellow light at station A, with a red stop signal light onlyremaining at station A. When the car or train which. has so wrongfullyentered the block against the red light at station B backs out again atstation 3 to either of the tracks the solenoid C at station B will beeuerg: ed either through contacts 3, 6 or contacts l, 6; and sincecontact 32 has been separated from contacts 30 and 3. the solenoid C atstation A cannot be energized sinniltaneously with the last mentionedenergization of solenoid. C at station B. And should the car or traincome to rest in such position that either contacts 3, 6 or i, 6 remainin engagement. the continued energization of solenoid C having restoredthe switch at station B to normal, will nevertheless hold contacts 21and '22 separated, thus preventing current flowing from conductor 1 atstation E tln-ough conductor 9, armatl-rre 14:, contact 1?, conductor 28and winding of magnet D at station A. And the prevention of energizationof magnet D 'erents a display of a yellow light at station A. thusmaintaining only a red light or stop signal at station A, and theprevention of energization of magnet B, when solenoid C remainsenergized at station B prevents closure of circuit l'ietween armature33S and contact 3 1- and therefore prevents energization of magnet C atsta- In other words, even should the car tion 1; or t: in backing outfrom he block at staticn B remain on the contactor, that is, keep thecircuit through tl e vehicle controlled contact and solenoid C closed,solenoid C only will be energized and the solenoid C at station A willnot be energized.

If new the car should move off of the eontactor out of the block, thatis, cause deenergization of the solenoid C, contacts 21 and 22 will bereengaged, and the electromagnet D at station A will be again energized,causing display of a yellow light with the red light at A and closingcontacts 34L and 28 preparatory to further energization of magnet 0 whenthe car or train on the block leaves the block at station B.

While the signals are herein shown as energized from the conductorsfurnishing the electric power to the electric railway system, thevoltage of such power system often fluctuating widely in practice, itwill be understood that the signals may be energized by current from aseparate constant potential source, in which. case, when the signals arelights, they will not fluctuate widely in brilliancy with fluctuationsof the ioltage on the power circuit.

And the circuit arrangements herein described are such that it thevoltage on the power circuit should fail, and assuming the signals to beoperated. by current from a separate source as above referred to, onlyred light signals could be displayed, because with failure of voltageupon the power circuit the magnets H, H would drop their armatures andclose the circuits of the red lights only.

It will be noted that the green and yellow lights are displayed onlywhen the magnets H, H and D, D are energized. Accordingly, any accidentthat would cause failure of magnetism in the magnets H, H, as failure ofvoltage upon the power circuit, open circuiting or short circuiting ofthe magnet windings, or breaking of the signal conductor 13, could onlycause a change from any previous signal indication to a stop indicationthat is, could only cause energization oi the red lights; and anyfailure of the magnets D, D, or failure of their current supply, wouldcause extinction of the yellow lights, leaving only the red stopsignals. The armatures oi the magnets H, H form two-position switches,each in one position causing energization oi the green light and in theother position the energization of the red light, the structure beingsuch that it is impossible to have both the green and the red lightsdisplayed simultaneously.

And it will be noted that the yellow lights are controlled from thedistant end of the block, thus constituting an answeraaclr or indicationfrom the red signal at the distant end of the block, and any failure ofthe armature of the magnet, as H, to drop and set a red signal, wouldwithhold the yellow light at the home end of the block.

Pursuant to a requirement for division switching mechanism of thecharacter illustrated in Figs. 3 to 9 inclusive is claimed in divisionalapplication Serial Number 159,397, filed April 3, 1917.

What I claim is:

1. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling meanscomprising three signal elements, means including a vehicle controlledswitch for displaying one only of said signal elements alone, and meansfor displaying said one of said signal elements with either one 01": theother signal elements.

2. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling meanscomprising three signal elements, means including a vehicle controlledswitch for displaying one only of said signal elements alone, thedisplay of said one of said signal elements giving a stop indication,and means for displaying said one (it said signal elements with eitherone of the other of said signal elements to form a permissive signal.

3. In a signaling system, plural aspect signaling means comprising threesignal elements, means for displaying one only of said signal elementsalone, the display oi? said one of said signal elements giving a stopindication, means for displaying said one of said signal elements withanother of said signal elements to .form a permissive signal, and meansfor displaying said one of said signal elements with the remaining oneof said signal elements to likewise give a permissive signal, the changefrom the display of signal elements which give one permissive signal tothat of signaling elements which give another permissive signal giving athird indication.

i. In a signaling system for vehicles, a

stop signal, a plurality of similar signal elements associated with saidstop signal, and means including a vehicle controlled switch fordisplaying said signals, each of said signal elements when displayedwith said stop signal forming a permissive signal, one of said similarsignal elements icing disposed to one side of said stop signal and at aheight different from said stop signal. I

In a signaling system for vehicles, a stop signal, a plurality ofsimilar signal elements as ociated with said stop signal, and meansincluding a vehicle controlled switch for displaying said signals, eachof said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming apermissive signal, said stop signal being disposed above said similarsignal elements, one of said signal elements being disposed to one sideof said stop signal.

6.111 a signaling system for vehicles, clear and stop signals disposedone vertically above the other, a plurality of similar signal elementsassociated with said stop signal, and means including a vehiclecontrolled switch for displaying said Sig nals, each of said signalelements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissivesignal.

7. In a signaling system for vehicles, clear and stop signals disposedone vertically above the other, a plurality of similar signal elementsassociated with said stop signal, and means including a vehiclecontrolled switch for displaying said signals, each of said signalelements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissivesignal, said similar signal elements being disposed at the same heightand at a height different from said stop signal.

S. In a signaling system for vehicles, clear and stop signals disposedone vertically above the other, a plurality of similar signal element-sassociated with said stop signal, and means including a vehiclecontrolled switch for displaying said signals, each of said signalelements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissivesignal. said similar signal elements being disposed at the same heightand at a height different from said stop signal, and one of said similarsignal elements being disposed at one side of said stop signal.

9. In a signaling system for vehicles, a stop signal, a plurality ofsimilar signal elements associated with said stop signal, and meansincluding a vehicle controlled switch for displaying said signals, eachof said signal. elements when displayed with said stop signal forming apermissive signal, said signal elements being disposed at the sameheight and at a he ht different 2': "from that of said stop signal.

10. In a signaling system, a block section. an electro-magnet at eachend of said block, a signal controlled by each of said electro-magnets,a signal conductor connecting said electro-magnets at all times inseries with each other, whereby they are energized or deenergizedsimultaneously, said electro-magnets normally energized from one end oisaid block. said signals being displayed in response to deenergizationof said electro-magnets, a switch in said signal conductor at each endof said block, and vehicle controlled means at each end of said blockfor controlling both of said switches.

11. In a signaling system, a block section, an electro-magnet at eachend of said block, a signal controlled by each of said electromagnets, asignal conductor connecting said electro-magnets in series with eachother, said electromagnets being normally energized from one end of saidblock, said signals being displayed in response to deenergization ofsaid electro-magnets, a normally closed switch in said signal conductorat each end of said block, and means at each end of said blockresponsive to vehicle movement for controlling both of said switches.

12. In a signaling system, a block section, an electro-magnet at eachend of said block, a signal controlled by each of said electromagnets, asignal conductor connecting said clectro-magnets in series with eachother, said electro-magnets being normally energized from one end ofsaid block, said signals being displayed in response to deenergizationof said electro-magnets, a normally closed switch in said signalconductor at each end of said block, means at each end of said blockresponsive to movement of a vehicle into said block for opening saidswitch at that end of the block and simultaneously deenergizing saidmagnets, and means responsive to departure of the vehicle from saidblock for re-closing said switch.

13. In a signaling system, a block section, an electro-magnet at eachend of said block, a signal conductor connecting said electro magnets atall times in series with each other whereby they are energized ordenergized siniiultaneously, said electro-magnets being normallyenergized. from one end of said block, a signal controlled by each ofsaid electro-magnets, and means responsive to simultaneousdeenergization of said electromagnets for ciscontinuing display of saidsignals, and vehicle controlled means at each end of said block forcontrolling both of said switches.

14-. In a signalin system, a block section, an olectromagnet at each endof said block, a signal conductor connecting said electromagnets at alltimes in series with each other whereby they are energized ordeenergized simultaneously, said electro-magnets normally energizedthrough said condnctor from one end of said block, clear and stopsignals at each end of said block, and means responsive todeenergization of the electro-magnet at each end of said block fordiscontinuing display of said clear signal and displaying said stepsignal, and vehicle controlled means at each end of said block forcontrolling both of said switches.

15. In a signaling system, a block section, an electro1nagnet at eachend of said block, a signal conductor connecting said electro magnets atall times in series with each other, said electro-magnets being normallyenergized from one end of said block, a signal controlled by each oisaid electromagnets, means responsive to deenergization of each of saidelectro-magnets for discontinuing display of said signal, a normallyclosed switch in said signal conductor at each end or said block, andmeans at each end of said block responsive to vehicle movements into andout of said, block for opening and closing said switch at that end ofthe block, and simultaneously de'einergizing and energizing saidmagnets.

16. In a signaling system, a block section,

an electro-magnet at each end of said block, a signal conductorconnecting said electromagnets at all times in series with each other,said electro-magnets normally energized through said conductor from oneend of said block, clear and stop signals at each end of said block,means responsive to deencrgization of the electro-magnet at each -end ofsaid block for discontinuing display of said clear signal and displayingsaid stop signal, a normally closed switch in said signal conductor ateach end of said block, and means at each end of said block responsiveto vehicle movements into and out of said hlocl; for opening and closingsaid switch at that end oi the block and simultaneously dei nergizingand energizing said magnets.

17. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end ofsaid block, a second signal associated with the stop signal at one endof said block to form therewith a permissive signal, means responsive tothe entry of a vehicle into said block at said one end thereof fordisplaying the stop sig ml at the other end of said block and fordisplaying the stop signal and said second signal at said one end ofsaid block.

18. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end ofsaid block, a plurality of similar signals at one end of said blockassociated with the stop signal thereat, each of said similar signalswhen displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, meansresponsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at said one endthereof for displaying the stop signals at both ends thereof and fordisplaying one of said similar signals with the stop signal at said oneend of said block, and means responsive to the entry of subsequentvehicles into said block for alternating said similar signals.

19. In a signaling system, a block section, astop signal at each end ofsaid block, a normally energized electro-magnet at each end of saidblock preventing display of said stop signal, a second signal.associated at the home end or the block with the stop signal thereat andadapted to be displayed therewith to form a permissive signal, meansresponsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at the home end fordisplaying the stop signals at both ends of said block, a signalconductor controlling said second signal, display of said second signalat the home end of said block being controlled through said conductorupon deenergization of said electro-magnet at the distant end of saidblock.

20. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end ofsaid block, a normally energized electro-magnet at each end of saidblock preventing display of said stop signal, a second signal associatedwith each stop signal and adapted to be displayed therewith to form apermissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into saidblock at the home end for displaying the stop signals at both ends ofsaid block, a signal conductor controlling said second signals, displayof said second signal at the home end of said block being controlledthrough said conductor upon deenergization of said electro-magnet at thedistant end of said block, a normally open switch in said signalconductor at each end of said block,

said switch at thehome end of said block being closed upon entry of saidvehicle into said block, and the switch at the distant end of said blockremaining open, whereby a permissive signal isdisplayed at the home endof said block and only a stop signal at the distant end of said block.

21. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end ofsaid block, a normally energized electro-magnet at each end of saidblock preventing display of said stop signal, a second signal associatedwith each stop signal and adapted to be displayed therewith to form apermissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into saidblock at the home end displaying the stop signals at both ends of saidblock, a signal conductor controlling said second signal, display ofsaid second signal at the home end of said block being controlledthrough said conductor upon deenergization of said electro-magnet at thedistant end of said block, a third signal similar to said second signal,and means responsive to entry of successive vehicles into said block foralternating said second and third signals.

22. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end ofsaid block, a normally energized electro-magnet at each end of saidblock preventing display of said stop signal, a second signal associatedwith each stop signal and adapted to be displayed therewith to form apermissive sig nal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into saidblock at the home end for displaying the stop signals at both ends ofsaid block, a signal conductor controlling said second signals, displayof said second signal at the home end of said block being controlledthrough said conductor upon deenergization of said electro-magnet at thedistant end of said block, a normally open switch in said signalconductor at each end of said block, said switch at the home end of saidblock being closed upon entry of said vehicle into said block, theswitch at the distant end of said block remaining open, whereby apermissive signal is dis played at the home end of said block and only astop signal at the distant end of said block, a third signal similar tosaid second signal, and means responsive to entry of successive vehiclesinto said block for alternating said second and third signals,

23. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end ofsaid block, a plurality of similar signals each adapted to cooperatewith a stop signal to form a permissive signal, means responsive to theentry of a vehicle into a block at one end thereof for displaying thestop signals at both ends thereof, said similar signals at said one endof said block being controlled from the distant end of said block.

24. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end ofsaid block, a plurality of similar signals each adapted to cooperatewith a stop signal to form a permissive signal, means responsive to theentry of a vehicle into a block at one end thereof for displaying thestop signals at both ends thereof, said similar signals at said one endof said block being controlled from the distant end of said block, andmeans responsive to entry of successive vehicles into said block foralternating said similar signals.

25. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each end of saidblock, a signal conductor, a switch in said conductor at each station, asignal setting magnet controlling said switch, a signal clearing magnetat each station, a second signal conductor connecting said clearingmagnets in parallel with each other, a pair of switches at each stationin parallel with each other in said second signal conductor, one of saidswitches operated with said first named switch, a third electro-magnetat each station controlling the other of said pair of switches, and aswitch closed when said first named switch is opened controlling saidelectro-magnet.

26. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each end of saidblock, a signal conductor, a switch in said conductor at each station, asignal setting magnet controlling said switch, a signal clearing magnetat each station, a second signal conductor connecting said clearingmagnets in parallel with each other, a pair of switches at each stationin parallel with each other in said second signal conductor, one of saidswitches operated with said first named switch, a third electro-magnetat each station controlling the other of said pair of switches, and aswitch closed when said first named switch is opened controlling saidelectro-magnet, a second signal at each end of said block cooperatingwith said first named signal to form a permissive signal, said thirdelectro-magnet controlling said second signal.

27. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each end of saidblock, a signal conductor, a switch in said conductor at each station, asignal setting magnet controlling said switch, a signal clearing magnetat each station, a second signal conductor connecting said clearingmagnets in parallel with each other, a pair of switches at each stationin parallel with each other in said second signal conductor, one of saidswitches operated with said first named switch, a third electro-magnetat each station controlling the other of said pair of switches, a switchclosed when said first named switch is opened controlling saidelectro-magnet, a plurality of similar signals at each end of said blockcontrolled by said third electro-magnet, and means for alternating saidsimilar signals, each of said similar signals when displayed with saidfirst named signal forming a permissive signal.

28. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal and anelectro-magnet controlling the same at each end of the block, a switchcontrolling said magnets to simultaneously energize and deenergize thesame, independently and simultaneously operable step-bystep mechanismsat each end of the block section, signal setting electro-magnetscontrolling one of said step by step mechanisms at each end respectivelyof the block section, signal clearing magnets operatinganother of saidstep-by-step mechanisms at each end respectively of the block section,and means at each end of the block section responsive to excess movementof one of said step-bystep mechanisms for controlling said switchesrespectively.

29. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each endthereof, a switch controlling each of said signals, independently andsimultaneously operable step-by-step mechanisms, a signal settingelectro-magnet controlling one of said step-by-step mecha nisms, asignal clearing magnet operating another of said step-bystep mechanisms,means responsive to excess movement of one of said step-by-stepmechanisms for controlling said switch, and means for causing thestep-by-step mechanism normally actuated by the signal setting magnet tobe actuated independently thereof when said clearing magnet is the firstto operate after said step-by-step mechanisms are in normal po sition.

30. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each endthereof, a switch controlling each of said signals, independently andsimultaneously operable step-by-step mechanisms, a signal settingelectro-magnet controlling one of said step-by-step mechanisms, a signalclearing magnet operating another of said step-by-step mechanisms, meansresponsive to excess movement of one of said step-by-step mechanisms forcontrolling said switch, and means operative after predetermined excessmovement of said step-bystep mechanism controlled by said signal settingmagnet for carrying with it the step-by-step mechanism normally actuatedby said clearing magnet.

31. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at. each endthereof, a switch controlling each of. said signals, independently andsimultaneously operable step-loy-step mechanisms, a signal settingelectro-magnet controlling one of said step-by-step mechanisms, a signalclearing magnet operating another of said stepby-step mechanisms, meansresponsive to excess movement of one of said step-by-step mechanisms forcontrolling said switch, means operative after predetermined excessmovement of said stepby-step mechanism controlled by said signal settingmagnet for carrying with it the stepby-step mechanism normally actuatedby said clearing magnet, a plurality of similar signals associated witheach of said signals, and a switch for alternating said similar signalsactuated by said step-hy-step mechanism controlled by said signalsetting mag net.

32. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end ofthe block, a second signal associated with each stop signal to formtherewith a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of avehicle into said block at either end thereof for displaying the stopsignal at the other end of said block and for displaying the stop signaland said second signal at the entering end of said block.

33. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal, a pluralityof similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, each ofsaid signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming apermissive signal, and means responsive to the entry of a vehicle intosaid block for setting the stop signal and displaying therewith one ofsaid similar signal elements.

34%. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal, a pluralityof similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, each ofsaid signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming apermissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into saidblock for setting the stop signal and displaying therewith one of saidsimilar signal elements, and means responsive to the entry of anothervehicle into said block for alternating said similar signal elements.

35. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal, a pluralityof similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, each ofsaid signal elements when displayed with a stop signal forming apermissive sig nal, a vehicle controlled switch, a step-loystepmechanism controlled by said switch to display said stop signal and oneof said similar signal elements upon entry of a vehicle into said block,and a switch for alternating said similar signal elements driven withsaid step-loy-step mechanism.

36. In a signaling system, a block section,

a stop signal at each end of said block, a plurality of similar signalsassociated with a stop signal, each of said similar signals whendisplayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, meansresponsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at either endthereof for displaying the stop signals at both ends thereof and fordisplaying one or said similar signals with the stop signals at theentering end of said bloclnQandm'e'ans responsive to the entry ofsubsequent vehicles into said block for alternating similar signals.

37. In a signaling system, a signal, signaling means associatedtherewith, vehicle controlled means for displaying said signal alone toproduce one signal indication and to display said signaling means withsaid signal to produce a different signal indication, ve- V r hiclecounting mechanism, and means controlled therebyfor'changmg the aspectof sald signahng means when displayedwith said signal, wherebysaiddifferent signal in-' dication persists but the aspect thereof changes.7 v

38. In a slgnaling system, a stop s1gnal,.a

plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal,each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signalforming a permissive signal, a signal setting magnet, a signal clearingmagnet, step-hy-step mechanisms actuated by said signal setting andclearing magnets, means responsive to excess movement of one of saidstep-by-step mechanisms for controlling said signal and said signalelements, and means for alternating said similar signal elementsactuated with the step-by-step mechanism controlled by said signalsetting magnet.

39. In a signaling system, a stop signal, a plurality of similar signalelements asso ciated with said stop signaheach of said signal elementswhen displayed with a stop signal forming a permissive signal, vehiclecounting mechanism, a vehicle controlled magnet controlling saidmechanism, and means for alternating said similar signal elementscontrolled by said vehicle controlled magnet.

40. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect slgnaling meanscomprising 7 similar to each other and dissimilar to the.

remaining one, means including a vehicle controlled switch fordisplaying alone said.

dissimilar signal element only, the display of said dissimilar signalelement giving a desired indication, and means for displaying saiddissimilar signal element with either one of said similar signalelements to form a permissive signal.

4:2. in a signaling system, plural aspect signaling means comprisingthree signal ele ments, two of which are similar to each other butdissimilar to the remaining one,

means for displaying alone said dissimilar element, the display of saiddissimilar element giving a stop indication, means for displaying one ofsaid similar elements with said dissimilar element for forming apermissive signal, and means for displaying the other of said similarelements with said dissimilar element for likewise forming a permissivesignal, the change from the display of said dissimilar element with oneof said. similar elements to that of the dissimilar element with theother of said similar elements giving a difi erent indication.

43. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling meanscomprising a plurality of signal elements all but one of which aresimilar to each other and dissimilar to the one, means including avehicle controlled switch for displaying alone the dissimilar elementonly, and means for displaying each of said similar elements singly withsaid dissimilar element.

as. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling meanscomprising a plurality of signal elements all but one of which aresimilar to each other and dis similar to the one, means including avehicle controlled switch for displaying alone the dissimilar elementonly, the display of said dissimilar element giving astop indicaion, andmeans for displaying each of said similar elements singly with saiddissimilar element to form permissive indications.

45. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling meanscomprising a plurality of signal elements all but one of which aresimilar to each other and dissimilar to the one, means including avehicle controlled switch for displaying alone the dissimilar elementonly, and means for displaying with said dissimilar element less thanthe whole number of similar elements.

46. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling meanscomprising a plurality of signal elements part of which are similar toeach other but dissimilar to the remaining ones, said remaining onesbeing dissimilar to each other, means including a vehicle controlledswitch for displaying alone the dissimilar elements only, and means fordisplaying with less than the whole number of dissimilar elements lessthan the whole number of similar elements.

47. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling meanscomprising plurality of stationary signal elements all but one of whichare similar to each other and dissimilar to the one, and means fordisplaying alone said dissimilar element only and for displaying withsaid dissimilar element certain of said similar elements, including aswitch operated upon the passage of vehicles, each operation of saidswitch when one of said similar signal ele ments is displayed causing achange of said last mentioned signal element to non-dis play conditionand the display of another of said similar signal elements.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature in thepresence of the two subscribing witnesses.

CARL P. NACHOD.

Witnesses:

HORACE C. KNEER, JosEPH W. STONE.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. (3.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,225,736, granted May8, .1917, upon the application of Carl P. Nachod, of Philadelphia,Pennsylvania, for an improvement in Signaling Systems, errors appear inthe printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 1, line28, for the word such read each;

page 9, line 83, claim 28, after the Word switch insert the Words ateach end of Iv the block section; and that the said Letters Patentshould be read with these corrections therein that the same may conformto the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 26th day of Jime, A. 1)., 1917.

R. F. WHITEHEAD,

[SEAL-1 Acting Commissioner of Patents.

